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We’re sure you’ve heard the rumors about the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) being slow and taking ages to process customers. Well, in California, it’s even worse. It can take an entire day of waiting from open until close to get a new driver license from the California DMV. However, by taking the time to read this article and commit to memory the tips contained within it, you can speed up that process and avoid wasting your time.
Getting Your California Driver’s License
To get a California driver license, you must complete the five-step process outlined below. Of course, the specifics of your situation can change the process. For example, this process applies to general drivers but drivers under the age of 18 and drivers who wish to exchange certain foreign driver licenses will need to undergo slightly different procedures.
The first step in the standard driver licensing process is to visit your local DMV office. Keep in mind that DMV offices are often only permitted to service people who are residents of the county in which the office is located. For example, if you live in San Francisco County (which covers all of San Francisco), you will need to go to one of the DMV locations in San Francisco County.
Next, complete Form DL44 (Driver License or Identification Card Application) and submit it with all supporting documents to the DMV. The necessary documents often include proof of Social Security (such as your original Social Security card) and a state- or government- issued ID (such as a non-driver California ID or your United States passport).
You will then need to pay the $33 state driver license licensing fee plus any additional costs associated with your license. If your license was previously suspended or revoked, you may have to pay additional fees. There are other ways that your fees can increase as well, depending on your driving record, county, etc.
After paying all applicable fees, you will be authorized to take the written permit test. You must pass this test in order to be eligible to proceed to the next phase of the process: the road test.
The last step in the licensing application process is to take a test behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Typically, you will need to provide your own vehicle for this test, which will be conducted under the supervision of a certified adjudicator.
Failure to complete any of these steps will result in delays in your licensing application and potentially even the rejection of your application altogether.
What Proof of ID Will I Need?
You will need multiple proofs of ID as well as other supporting documents. First off, you’ll need proof of valid Social Security, such as your original Social Security card or your official military ID. Note that you must submit the original documents. Copies will not be accepted.
You will also need to provide proof of your full, complete, and true name. Examples of documents that can do this are your official birth certificate, your marriage license, domestic partnership license, dissolution of marriage document, or name change document.
Another document will be needed to verify your birth date and legal presence in the United States. Your birth certificate or US passport will satisfy this requirement.
Lastly, two documents will be needed to prove your California residency. Those documents must have your name and address listed together. Examples of such documents include your mortgage statement, utility bills, and a rental or lease agreement signed by you and your landlord.
As you can tell from reading this section, your United States passport satisfies quite a few of these requirements. That’s why most licensing experts will recommend you bring it with you whenever you have an appointment at a DMV office in California or anywhere else.
California Driver’s License Tips
Here are a few tips and tricks to enable you to glide smoothly through the California DMV’s red tape:
First off, always make an appointment well in advance. Walk-in appointments are available at most of California’s DMV locations; however, they can sometimes take more than eight hours before your turn at the counter. Walk-ins will rarely find themselves being called up to the counter for their appointment fewer than four hours after arriving at the office.
Second, book your driving test as soon as you get your driving permit. Although you must wait several months after obtaining your permit to apply for your license, the wait for driving tests can often be even longer. That means that waiting until you are eligible to take your test before scheduling it can sometimes double the amount of time that you have to wait before taking it.
Third, study for the tests. Study, study, then study again. And once you’ve finished studying, study a little more. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to study for your tests. If you fail either the knowledge or road tests, then you will not be able to get your driver license for months or even years (depending on how long it takes you to restart the process and get an appointment).
California Driver’s License Age Restrictions
If you are 18 years of age or older with a valid California driver license and a clean record, then there are generally no restrictions that apply to you. However, if you are under the age of 18 years, then you will only be eligible to obtain a provisional driver license after completing a driver education course.
The only exception to that rule is if you are 17 and a half years old, at which point you can apply for a provisional driver license without first completing a driver’s education course.
